Does B-12 contain dairy or gluten?

No, this specific Nature's Bounty B-12 formula is free from dairy, lactose, and gluten. The ingredients list consists of synthetic vitamins and plant-derived binders.

Is B-12 good for weight loss?

While B-12 is not a weight-loss drug, it plays a vital role in metabolism. Adequate B-12 levels help convert food into energy, which can support your weight loss efforts by combating lethargy and improving workout performance.

Where can I buy B-12?

Nature's Bounty B-12 is widely available at major retailers such as Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens, as well as online through Amazon and iHerb.

Is B-12 safe for kids?

This product is formulated for adults. While Vitamin B-12 is essential for children, the dosage in this supplement may be too high. Consult a pediatrician before giving adult supplements to children.

Is B-12 Keto?

Yes, B-12 is keto-friendly. For those strictly adhering to a ketogenic diet, finding supplements without hidden sugars or starches can be a challenge. However, based on the ingredient profile of this specific Nature's Bounty product, it contains no carbohydrates, making it a safe addition to your low-carb regimen.

The Ingredient Breakdown

When evaluating a supplement for keto, we look past the marketing and dive straight into the binder and filler ingredients. The primary active ingredient here is Vitamin B-12 (as Cyanocobalamin), which is inherently zero-carb and safe for ketosis. The real test lies in the inactive ingredients used to form the tablet.

Starting with Mannitol: This is a sugar alcohol often used as a sweetener and bulking agent. While some sugar alcohols can impact blood sugar, Mannitol is generally considered low-carb friendly because the body absorbs it poorly. It provides less than 1.5 calories per gram and does not spike insulin like regular sugar.

The structural integrity of the tablet comes from Vegetable Cellulose and Vegetable Stearic Acid. Both of these are derived from plant sources and are essentially fiber. They pass through the body undigested, contributing zero net carbs and zero calories. Similarly, Crospovidone is a disintegrant used to help the tablet break down in your stomach; it is a synthetic polymer that is not metabolized by the body.

Finally, we have the flavoring and flow agents. Natural Cherry Flavor and Silica are present in amounts less than 2%. Sucralose is used in trace amounts as a high-intensity sweetener. While some keto purists avoid artificial sweeteners, the quantity here is negligible and unlikely to trigger an insulin response or disrupt ketosis. Vegetable Magnesium Stearate is a flow agent that prevents ingredients from sticking to manufacturing equipment; it is inert and carb-free.

Nutritional Value

From a macronutrient perspective, this B-12 supplement is virtually a 'free' food on the keto diet. A standard serving size provides 100% of your daily Vitamin B-12 requirement, which is crucial for energy production and nerve function—often depleted during the initial phases of keto adaptation.

The label indicates 0 grams of sugar, 0 grams of fat, and 0 grams of carbohydrates. Because the serving size is a single lozenge, and the caloric contribution from the Mannitol and flavorings is negligible (likely less than 1-2 calories total), this product fits easily within even the strictest keto macros (typically under 20g net carbs per day). It will not break your fast or kick you out of ketosis.